Over 500 vendors count losses after Buikwe market burns to ashes

Vendors at Kinyolo Market in Lugazi Municipality, Buikwe District pondering the next move after fire gutted their merchandise on January 15, 2025. PHOTO/ GODFREY MASIKO
What you need to know:
- Mr Bill Tomusange, the area councilor said one of the vendors dealing in beverages had just purchased a new freezer but it’s among the merchandise that burnt to ashes.
Over 500 vendors operating in Kinyolo Market in Lugazi Municipality in Buikwe District are counting losses after a fire destroyed their merchandise under unclear circumstances.
Mr Ivan Kaddu, a resident in the area explained that the fire started in the wee hours of Wednesday morning at 4am but it was difficult to establish its source.
"Police fire brigade came in time with a fire tender, but we had no access road. The water pipe was too short to reach the affected area," Mr Kaddu said in an interview on Wednesday.
Mr Kemis Lutajan, the central division of Lugazi has expressed the fear of what may come next after this because most of the vendors acquired loans to restock their businesses.

Buikwe Woman MP and State Minister in the Office of the Vice President, Diana Mutasingwa and local leaders inspecting the gutted Kinyolo Market in Lugazi Municipality, Buikwe District on January 15, 2025. Photo/Godfrey Masiko
"We are calling upon banks and individual money lenders to be considerate with our vendors because what has happened will take them months to rebuild their businesses," he said.
Mr Bill Tomusange, the area councilor said one of the vendors dealing in beverages had just purchased a new freezer but it’s among the merchandise that burnt to ashes.
"This is the third time fire is burning that market; the first happened in 2011, then 2014 and now this one. We ask police this time to thoroughly investigate this fire and release a report,” he said.
Buikwe District Woman MP and also state minister in the Office of the Vice President, Ms Diana Mutasingwa visited the scene and pledged that the government would extend financial support to them.
"I have already contacted the Office of the Prime Minister and they are going to give you support like food and iron sheets," she said